The question we are hearing almost every day is, "When are the kids coming home?" (Slight diversion) First of all we call them the fource. The reason why is because some friends of our referred to them as the fource and it stuck. You see there are four of them and they will be coming in mass and will exert a certain amount of force on all of us. So we are now waiting on the Fource.
As I write this we are returning from St. Louis after being fingerprinted for the 3rd time by the United States Immigration Service. (This doesn't include our fingerprints that were taken by the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the Greene County Jail. It appears we may be the most fingerprinted couple in Greene County!)
Our paperwork is now in Ethiopia and waiting to be turned into a judge. When the government has all of the paperwork we will be issued a courtdate. We have been told the judge will set this date as soon as 1-2 weeks after receiving the paperwork. We have also been told that it might take 4 months before we travel. So... we wait.
Does this mean the fource will come home at that time? No, no, no, that would be way too simple. Our first trip will consist of meeting the children, going to court, saying we want to adopt them in front of a judge, and coming home without them.
After that guess what comes next? You got it... we wait. (Have you gotten the general trend of this process? Every step involves waiting.) The second trip will occur sometime between 1-4 months after the first trip. It will be taking the kids to the US Embassy and obtaining Visa's for them for the US. Then we will enjoy a nice leisurely 20 or so hours on a flight with the fource who by the way has never been on a plane. I apologize if this post sounds a little cynical but waiting does that to me.
All in all we are very excited and a little anxious. How will the fource change us and our little crew? How will communicate? What will they like to eat? And on and on the questions come into our minds.
But... God is bigger than our questions. So we wait... for the fource.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Auction!!!
What: We have been so blessed by all the donations that have been given for "The Event"! God has really been showing us His greatness! After "The Event" we had a few items left, and a few more have been donated, so we decided that we should have a second online auction. There are 26 items that we have decided to use to auction online.
When: Starting NOW, ending Friday, November 16th, at MIDNIGHT!!
Where: Right here on our blog.
Who: YOU and anyone else who you know. Please tell and forward this to EVERYONE you know!!
How: By commenting on this post, and keeping up on the latest bids! In the comment section of this post, list the number of the item you want to bid on, your bid, and your name (these comments are not viewable by anyone but us). November 17th we will notify the winners of each item.
3. Three passes for free tuition for Adult/Teen classes to Kansas City Ballet. Donated by Kansas City Ballet. Retail value of $135/ starting bid $20.
4. One pass for two admissions to Grand Country Music Hall to any show of your choice. Donated by Grand Country Music Hall. Retail Value of $60/ starting bid of $20. CURRENT BID: $20
5. One insulated vacuum server (1 liter) coffee pot. Donated by Feller's Food Service. Retail value $50/ starting bid $15.
6. Four adult admissions to Clay Cooper's Country Music Express, which entertains with singing, dancing, rope twirling, and hysterical comedy, AND four adult admissions to Red, Hot, and Blue, a journey through the Big Band era of the 40's, Rocking 50's, eclectic 60's, disco 70's and an All American salute to Veterans, appearing at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson. Donated by Clay Cooper Theatre. Retail value $260/ starting bid $60.
7. One Half-hour riding lesson with Tennessee Walking Horses at D & D Farms. Donated by David Davenport. Retail value $25/ starting bid $7.
8. One two hour photo session with Amy Holand. Specializes in weddings, children, babies, and HS seniors. Donated by Amy Holand Photography, www.amyholandphotography.com. Retail value $200/ starting bid $60.
9. One Mary Kay gift basket which includes black mascara, lava nail lacquer, oil absorbing tissues, eye primer, hazelnut eye color, and eye applicators. Donated by Janna Scillian, a Mary Kay consultant. Retail value $50/ starting bid $15. CURRENT BID: $15
10. One day guided fishing trip on Lake Granby, Colorado (near Winter Park). Expires 10-31-2013. Donated by Bernie Keefe, premier fishing guide. Retail value $575/ starting bid $150.
11. One blue squash book, a lovely fold up photo album. Donated by Michele Lindley. Retail value $12/ starting bid $6.
12. "The Bare Facts: 39 Questions Your Parents Hope You Never Ask About Sex" by Josh McDowell. Donated by Erin Davis. Retail value $10.99/ starting bid $3.
13. Arbor skateboard wheels, Decals, and 2012 catalog. A slightly smaller lipped wheel designed to offer traction and excellent slide characteristics for the smaller boards. Donated by Arbor Skateboards. Retail value $44.95/ starting bid $15.
14. One hair care gift bag which includes "American CREW" Men's shampoo and styling gel. Donated by Karen Claussen. Retail value $63/ starting bid $20. CURRENT BID: $20
15. One Enterprise Park Lanes gift card for a free party pack which includes shoe rental, medium sodas, and 2 games of bowling for up to 10 people and 10 free game cards. Donated by Enterprise Park Lanes-Keegan Martin. Retail value $140/ starting bid $35. CURRENT BID: $35
16. One voucher for Kansas City T-Bones Tickets good for four adult tickets to the Kansas City T-Bones baseball club. Donated by Kansas City T-Bone baseball club. Retail value $26/ starting bid $12.
17. The Original Fashion Sports Watch by deuce brand. A clever and ergonomic design, this watch can be worn in a multitude of conditions from trend setting to contact sports. Waterproof, durable, and contains supreme functionality. Donated by deuce brand.
Let the bidding begin!!!
When: Starting NOW, ending Friday, November 16th, at MIDNIGHT!!
Where: Right here on our blog.
Who: YOU and anyone else who you know. Please tell and forward this to EVERYONE you know!!
How: By commenting on this post, and keeping up on the latest bids! In the comment section of this post, list the number of the item you want to bid on, your bid, and your name (these comments are not viewable by anyone but us). November 17th we will notify the winners of each item.
Go!!
"The Event" Auction Items
1. Three HVAC precision tune ups, professional cleaning, and combustion safety inspection. Donated by Rory Krueger from Krueger Geothermal Systems. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
a. One HVAC precision tune up. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
b. One HVAC precision tune up. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
c. One HVAC precision tune up. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
a. One HVAC precision tune up. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
b. One HVAC precision tune up. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
c. One HVAC precision tune up. Retail value $189/ starting bid $50.
2. One copy of a set of 2 Christian instrumental CD's, which include piano hymns. Donated and performed by Louis Claussen. Retail value $24/ starting bid $8.
3. Three passes for free tuition for Adult/Teen classes to Kansas City Ballet. Donated by Kansas City Ballet. Retail value of $135/ starting bid $20.
4. One pass for two admissions to Grand Country Music Hall to any show of your choice. Donated by Grand Country Music Hall. Retail Value of $60/ starting bid of $20. CURRENT BID: $20
5. One insulated vacuum server (1 liter) coffee pot. Donated by Feller's Food Service. Retail value $50/ starting bid $15.
6. Four adult admissions to Clay Cooper's Country Music Express, which entertains with singing, dancing, rope twirling, and hysterical comedy, AND four adult admissions to Red, Hot, and Blue, a journey through the Big Band era of the 40's, Rocking 50's, eclectic 60's, disco 70's and an All American salute to Veterans, appearing at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson. Donated by Clay Cooper Theatre. Retail value $260/ starting bid $60.
7. One Half-hour riding lesson with Tennessee Walking Horses at D & D Farms. Donated by David Davenport. Retail value $25/ starting bid $7.
8. One two hour photo session with Amy Holand. Specializes in weddings, children, babies, and HS seniors. Donated by Amy Holand Photography, www.amyholandphotography.com. Retail value $200/ starting bid $60.
9. One Mary Kay gift basket which includes black mascara, lava nail lacquer, oil absorbing tissues, eye primer, hazelnut eye color, and eye applicators. Donated by Janna Scillian, a Mary Kay consultant. Retail value $50/ starting bid $15. CURRENT BID: $15
10. One day guided fishing trip on Lake Granby, Colorado (near Winter Park). Expires 10-31-2013. Donated by Bernie Keefe, premier fishing guide. Retail value $575/ starting bid $150.
11. One blue squash book, a lovely fold up photo album. Donated by Michele Lindley. Retail value $12/ starting bid $6.
12. "The Bare Facts: 39 Questions Your Parents Hope You Never Ask About Sex" by Josh McDowell. Donated by Erin Davis. Retail value $10.99/ starting bid $3.
13. Arbor skateboard wheels, Decals, and 2012 catalog. A slightly smaller lipped wheel designed to offer traction and excellent slide characteristics for the smaller boards. Donated by Arbor Skateboards. Retail value $44.95/ starting bid $15.
14. One hair care gift bag which includes "American CREW" Men's shampoo and styling gel. Donated by Karen Claussen. Retail value $63/ starting bid $20. CURRENT BID: $20
15. One Enterprise Park Lanes gift card for a free party pack which includes shoe rental, medium sodas, and 2 games of bowling for up to 10 people and 10 free game cards. Donated by Enterprise Park Lanes-Keegan Martin. Retail value $140/ starting bid $35. CURRENT BID: $35
16. One voucher for Kansas City T-Bones Tickets good for four adult tickets to the Kansas City T-Bones baseball club. Donated by Kansas City T-Bone baseball club. Retail value $26/ starting bid $12.
17. The Original Fashion Sports Watch by deuce brand. A clever and ergonomic design, this watch can be worn in a multitude of conditions from trend setting to contact sports. Waterproof, durable, and contains supreme functionality. Donated by deuce brand.
a. White-small(16 cm.). Retail value $20/ starting bid $6.
d. Clear-large(18 cm.). Retail value $20/ starting bid $6. CURRENT BID: $10
e. Clear-large(18 cm.). Retail value $20/ starting bid $6.
i. Blue-xlarge. Retail value $20/ starting bid $6.
18. "Mallards, Final Approach" open edition framed print by Manning. Size: 29" x 25". Donated by Mark and Sandy Cunningham, Gallery Art Market/Art Market Network. Retail value $95/ starting bid $30.
19. "Salute to Heritage", artist John Fulton. John Fulton was known as a prolific painter of colorful balloons. John Fulton was alos the architect for the John Q Hammons enterprise. This painting is also #80 of 350, a limited edition. Donated by Allen & Michelle Lindley. Retail value $300/starting bid $100.
20.
One Baby Roll Asleep. No need to drive your baby around in the car to fall asleep, gently ease your baby to sleep in your home. Can also be used as a changing station or bath tub. Donated by Baby Roll Asleep. Retail value $79.95/ starting bid $25.
21.
One small, round kitchen table with walnut table top and antiqued cream pedestal (48" diameter). Donated by Stellar Staging & Design-Kim Scowden & Ashley Shrimpton. Retail value $175/ starting bid $95. CURRENT BID: $95
22.
One nail care gift bag which includes bottom coat, top coat, nail lacquer: Steady as she rose, and two hand lotions: Coconut Melon and Grapefruit. Donated by Karen Claussen. Retail value $20/ starting bid $7.
23.
One hair care gift bag which includes "MATRIX BIOLACE" Ladies' shampoo (10oz and travel size), conditioner (5.1 oz and travel size), 5 styling products, and styling brush. Donated by Karen Claussen. Retail value $63/ starting bid $20. CURRENT BID: $25
24. One extra-large Nike First Things First silver golf shirt. Donated by Randall Young. Retail value $50/ starting bid $15.
25. One Signed Kurt Warner matted 13x16 2009 super bowl picture. Donated by Randall Young. Retail value $200/ starting bid $75. CURRENT BID: $75
26. Two tickets to the Rams vs. Vikings game on December 16th at noon. Prior to the start of the game there will be a brunch in the Edward Jones Dome, with the Rams Club. Donated by Randall Young. Retail value $350/ starting bid $100.
Let the bidding begin!!!
Aubrey for the Evergrowing Stinsons!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Scarves
One of the most popular items at our silent auction were the scarves. In fact, we have had many people ask how they can order one. These are made by Chandra's mother Judy Scowden, and can be made in many colors. Here are three different types of scarves available with a link on the right to order. If you do not use PayPal you can give us a check and order through e-mail or by leaving a comment on the blog. The cost is $20 and 100% of the proceeds are going to our adoption fund. Thank you so much for all your help in bringing our new family members home!!
The Salsa
The Ballerina
The Flamenco
The Salsa
The Ballerina
The Flamenco
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Water's Arisin'
How was last weekend you might ask? Well, since you wanted to know here it is:
Windy, cloudy, drizzly, achy, heavy, exhausting, thirsty,
hungry, and more thirsty, tense, frustrating, forgiving, neverending.
And then there was:
prayer, community, love, worship, prayer, patches of
sunshine, filling of the barn, filling of the seats, encouragement, more
prayer, embraces, peace, tears, joy.
We are now 1 week past The Event, and we are just catching
up to ourselves. Around 175 people
attended and approximately 150 items were auctioned. WE ARE LOVED shirts were sold, and donations
were given. All of this totaled just
over $20,000!
But wait… more
donations are being given, more WE ARE LOVED shirts are being ordered, our
pampered chef consultant has kept the fundraising open till next week, the
premier design jeweler is continuing to donate from sales through next week,
the popular scarfs are now available to be ordered, and we have a few auction
items left.
Well those are the facts since you asked the question, but
the truth is: God blessed.
As we have previously written (see ditch digging or bed
filling) it was our job to dig the ditches.
It was God’s job to do the blessing.
And He did.
He used our family and small group to do the hard work,
friends and friends of friends to enjoy the night, and an almost sabotaged prayer
time to strengthen us. So, how do you
spend months preparing for an event without being overwhelmed? For us it was two things… the community and
the purpose. This event was not the
end. In fact, it wasn’t even the
beginning. It was a means to an end-- A purpose driven event to allow us to bring
our children home as quickly as possible because it is God who has called us,
and for Him this is easy.
We are almost halfway to our goal of $46,000 and have no
doubt that God will provide the rest in ways we couldn’t have imagined. He is imaginative and creative. And as 1st Kings says, this is
easy for Him. So sit back and watch how
the Lord provides.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Auction items!
AUCTION COMPLETE. Thanks for bidding. We will be in contact with the winners.
What: We have been so blessed by all the donations that have been given for "The Event"! God has really been showing us His greatness! So many people have told us that they can't come, but would love to be a part, so we decided that we should have a small online auction. There are 18 items that we have decided to use to auction online.
When: Starting NOW, ending Thursday, October 11th, at MIDNIGHT!!
Where: Right here on our blog.
Who: YOU and anyone else who you know. Please tell and forward this to EVERYONE you know!!
How: By commenting on this post, and keeping up on the latest bids! In the comment section of this post, list the number of the item you want to bid on, your bid, and your name (these comments are not viewable by anyone but us). October 12th we will notify the winners of each item.
8. One quarter of Certified Herford Beef, approximately 125 lbs. Includes steaks, roasts, and ground beef. A family owned and operated Herford ranch in Lebanon and Rogersville, MO. Steers and bulls are naturally grown with a feed ration consisting of distillers grain, soybean meal, corn gluten, and whole corn along with grass, hay forage. No growth hormones or implants of any kind. Available November 2012. Donated by L III Farms- Tom and Siu Ping Luthy. Retail value $500/ starting bid $300. NEW CURRENT BID: $450
9. One Subway gift card for a 6' long party sub. Donated by Subway- Terry Dowler. Retail value $75/ starting bid $25. NEW CURRENT BID: $55
10. Ten settings of Mikasa 5 piece fine china. Parchment pattern (locate picture on the internet). Only two settings ever used. Includes zip up china protective cases. Donated by anonymous donor. Retail value $500/ starting bid $100. CURRENT BID: $100
11. One Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook which includes ideas for celebration menus, top rated recipes, quick party ready recipes, how to wrap presents, handmade party invitations, and decorating throughout the whole house. Donated by Nancy Brown. Retail value $10/ starting bid $5. CURRENT BID: $20
12. A.Jumbulaya: The Rearranging, Ever-Changing Word Jumble Game/ Creative Toy Awards 2008, Game of the Year. Donated by Legendary Games. Retail value $25/ starting bid $10. CURRENT BID: $10
B. Jumbulaya: The Rearranging, Ever-Changing Word Jumble Game/ Creative Toy Awards 2008, Game of the Year. Donated by Legendary Games. Retail value $25/ starting bid $10. CURRENT BID: $30
13. One Kansas City Vacation Pack. It includes four passes for free admission to The College Basketball Experience, two passes for free admission to American Heartland Theatre, six passes for free admission to Kansas City Zoo, and two passes for free admission to Powell Gardens. Donated by The College Basketball Experience, American Heartland Theatre, Kansas City Zoo, and Powell Gardens. Retail value of $127/ starting bid $40. CURRENT BID: $200
14. Three passes for free tuition for Adult/Teen classes to Kansas City Ballet. Donated by Kansas City Ballet. Retail value of $135/ starting bid $30.
15. One pass for two complete meals from Lambert's Cafe. Donated by Lambert's Cafe. Retail value of $45/ starting bid $15. NEW CURRENT BID: $35
16. One pass for two adult admissions to Kirby VanBurch Theatre. Donated by Kirby VanBurch Theatre. Retail value of $73.42/ starting bid $20. NEW CURRENT BID $27
17. One pass for two admissions to Grand Country Music Hall to any show of your choice. Donated by Grand Country Music Hall. Retail Value of $60/ starting bid of $10. NEW CURRENT BID $24
18. Two passes for free admission to the Yakov Live show. Donated by The Yakov Smirnoff Theatre. Retail value of $170/ starting bid of $50. CURRENT BID $50
What: We have been so blessed by all the donations that have been given for "The Event"! God has really been showing us His greatness! So many people have told us that they can't come, but would love to be a part, so we decided that we should have a small online auction. There are 18 items that we have decided to use to auction online.
When: Starting NOW, ending Thursday, October 11th, at MIDNIGHT!!
Where: Right here on our blog.
Who: YOU and anyone else who you know. Please tell and forward this to EVERYONE you know!!
How: By commenting on this post, and keeping up on the latest bids! In the comment section of this post, list the number of the item you want to bid on, your bid, and your name (these comments are not viewable by anyone but us). October 12th we will notify the winners of each item.
Go!!
"The Event" Auction Items
1. One HVAC precision tune up, professional cleaning, and combustion safety inspection. Donated by Rory Krueger from Krueger Geothermal Systems. Retail value $189/ starting bid $75.
2. One copy of a set of 2 Christian instrumental CDs, which include piano hymns. Donated and performed by Louis Claussen. Retail value $24/ starting bid $10. CURRENT BID $12
3. One Quick Chef chopper by Tupperware. Donated by Julie Wiseman, Tupperware Consultant. Retail value $50/ starting bid $25. CURRENT BID:$25
4. One $50 gift certificate to Lenwood Leather. Donated by Lenwood Leather. Retail value $50/ starting bid $25. CURRENT BID:$30
5. One Family Fun Pack. It includes two admissions to Dickerson Park Zoo, Six passes to The Track located in Branson on Green Mountain Drive, and $10 VIP Platinum card to Incredible Pizza Co. Donated by The Zoo, The Track, and The Incredible Pizza Co. Retail value $83/ starting bid $42. CURRENT BID: $60
6. "The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast" by Kristen Feola, signed copy. "As you deny yourself certain foods...you will not only embrace healthier eating habits, you'll also discover a greater awareness of God's presence." Donated by Kristen Feola. Retail value $16.99/ starting bid $15. CURRENT BID: $25
7. Chick-fil-A gift basket which includes 4 gift cards for free chicken sandwiches, 4 gift cards for free kid's meals, a water bottle, and a stuffed cow. Donated by Chick-fil-A at Battlefield Mall- Kevin Hutcheson. Retail value $50/ starting bid $25. NEW CURRENT BID: $45
3. One Quick Chef chopper by Tupperware. Donated by Julie Wiseman, Tupperware Consultant. Retail value $50/ starting bid $25. CURRENT BID:$25
4. One $50 gift certificate to Lenwood Leather. Donated by Lenwood Leather. Retail value $50/ starting bid $25. CURRENT BID:$30
5. One Family Fun Pack. It includes two admissions to Dickerson Park Zoo, Six passes to The Track located in Branson on Green Mountain Drive, and $10 VIP Platinum card to Incredible Pizza Co. Donated by The Zoo, The Track, and The Incredible Pizza Co. Retail value $83/ starting bid $42. CURRENT BID: $60
6. "The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast" by Kristen Feola, signed copy. "As you deny yourself certain foods...you will not only embrace healthier eating habits, you'll also discover a greater awareness of God's presence." Donated by Kristen Feola. Retail value $16.99/ starting bid $15. CURRENT BID: $25
7. Chick-fil-A gift basket which includes 4 gift cards for free chicken sandwiches, 4 gift cards for free kid's meals, a water bottle, and a stuffed cow. Donated by Chick-fil-A at Battlefield Mall- Kevin Hutcheson. Retail value $50/ starting bid $25. NEW CURRENT BID: $45
8. One quarter of Certified Herford Beef, approximately 125 lbs. Includes steaks, roasts, and ground beef. A family owned and operated Herford ranch in Lebanon and Rogersville, MO. Steers and bulls are naturally grown with a feed ration consisting of distillers grain, soybean meal, corn gluten, and whole corn along with grass, hay forage. No growth hormones or implants of any kind. Available November 2012. Donated by L III Farms- Tom and Siu Ping Luthy. Retail value $500/ starting bid $300. NEW CURRENT BID: $450
9. One Subway gift card for a 6' long party sub. Donated by Subway- Terry Dowler. Retail value $75/ starting bid $25. NEW CURRENT BID: $55
10. Ten settings of Mikasa 5 piece fine china. Parchment pattern (locate picture on the internet). Only two settings ever used. Includes zip up china protective cases. Donated by anonymous donor. Retail value $500/ starting bid $100. CURRENT BID: $100
11. One Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook which includes ideas for celebration menus, top rated recipes, quick party ready recipes, how to wrap presents, handmade party invitations, and decorating throughout the whole house. Donated by Nancy Brown. Retail value $10/ starting bid $5. CURRENT BID: $20
12. A.Jumbulaya: The Rearranging, Ever-Changing Word Jumble Game/ Creative Toy Awards 2008, Game of the Year. Donated by Legendary Games. Retail value $25/ starting bid $10. CURRENT BID: $10
B. Jumbulaya: The Rearranging, Ever-Changing Word Jumble Game/ Creative Toy Awards 2008, Game of the Year. Donated by Legendary Games. Retail value $25/ starting bid $10. CURRENT BID: $30
13. One Kansas City Vacation Pack. It includes four passes for free admission to The College Basketball Experience, two passes for free admission to American Heartland Theatre, six passes for free admission to Kansas City Zoo, and two passes for free admission to Powell Gardens. Donated by The College Basketball Experience, American Heartland Theatre, Kansas City Zoo, and Powell Gardens. Retail value of $127/ starting bid $40. CURRENT BID: $200
14. Three passes for free tuition for Adult/Teen classes to Kansas City Ballet. Donated by Kansas City Ballet. Retail value of $135/ starting bid $30.
15. One pass for two complete meals from Lambert's Cafe. Donated by Lambert's Cafe. Retail value of $45/ starting bid $15. NEW CURRENT BID: $35
16. One pass for two adult admissions to Kirby VanBurch Theatre. Donated by Kirby VanBurch Theatre. Retail value of $73.42/ starting bid $20. NEW CURRENT BID $27
17. One pass for two admissions to Grand Country Music Hall to any show of your choice. Donated by Grand Country Music Hall. Retail Value of $60/ starting bid of $10. NEW CURRENT BID $24
18. Two passes for free admission to the Yakov Live show. Donated by The Yakov Smirnoff Theatre. Retail value of $170/ starting bid of $50. CURRENT BID $50
Let the bidding begin!!!
Aubrey for the Evergrowing Stinsons!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
An empty house and trading
Isn’t it amazing what God chooses to use to move us?
Rewind to the summer of 2008 and God was churning in Chandra’s
heart to consider a move for all of the typical reasons-- the kitchen was too
small, the bedrooms weren’t quite right.
We were a family of six in a comfortable home in a comfortable part of
town. As God would have it we were
looking at some land with a friend of ours when we stumbled upon a foreclosed
house that sat empty. It appeared
massive. It was ¾ of the way completed
without any furniture. Six bedrooms,
multiple bathrooms, huge marble columns in the foyer and a large, very large
kitchen and dining room. But the picture
that stuck in my head that day was the huge kitchen and living room. Oh, and did I mention that it was empty?
Fast forward 1 weekend and there was still this insatiable
thought in my head—What a ministry it would be to have a house like that and
fill it? I could picture standing in the
kitchen with little faces all around thae table waiting for a pop tart or
cereal bar. On the way home from work
one day I said to Chandra, “What did you think about that house we saw last
week?” Her response was eerie. She said, “I just keep having this picture in
my head of many little faces sitting around the table.” I still remember sitting in a traffic jam on
the way home and smiling, not yet ready to admit it but knowing what God was
calling us to. As we discussed it
further we both felt the same. It was one of those Amen thoughts-- a thought where God was speaking the same thing to
both of us.
How could this be? We
were still in the midst of dealing with difficulties with one of our adopted
sons. And if we knew what was yet to
come--the endless physical therapy appointments, inpatient psychiatric
treatment, counseling for him and us—we would have ran the other way. But still the calling was there, and we couldn’t
deny it.
As we started to look for a house, we could never find just
the right one. There was always
something not quite right. “What about
building a house?,” Chandra said one day.
I believe my response was something like, “No, we don’t have time for
that.” Then the thought that brought
everything into focus: “Let’s build the
biggest box we can afford, and fill it with kids.” From that came the push that I needed to be
able to see the house matched to the calling.
Eight months later we moved into that house with an unfinished basement,
partially finished upstairs, and main level that had work to do in every room. I call it the five year project, and we are
currently in year 3.
So I come back to the question… Isn’t it amazing what God chooses to use to
move us? Looking in the Bible I see that God raised
Moses in a palace to use him in a desert.
He raised Joseph in a desert to use him in a palace.
In the case of David God raised him as a shepard to use him as a king. In our case He used an empty house... to give us a picture of what a full house might be.
What has God used in your life to encourage or to clarify a calling? An unrelenting thought, a casual statement, a time in the desert... or an empty house. The facts are His ways are always higher and much better than ours.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The Event
So, we shared Mom's "Once upon a time". And you got Dad's short story (or so I hope). My sister is always chatting on Facebook or someplace. Now it is my turn. Don't worry I won't blow your mind with some fantasy story, bore you to death with some type of basement plans, or be so social and take up all day. FYI, I am the 11 year old crazy Stinson girl, Emmaline.
Some people have asked us how much the adoption will cost. Well, the answer to that is approximately $50,000. Nope, I did not mistype that, it is $50,000! The answer that we have found to that problem is simple. If God wants us to do this then He will give us the money. So we are going to have a fundraiser.
Our fundraiser: The Event. The Event is an Italian dinner under the stars and a silent auction. On October 13th the silent auction will occur at 5 P.M. and the dinner will start at 6:30 P.M. Following dinner the bidding will continue. You will have at least 30 minutes to complete your bidding on those awesome auction items! (FYI: The auction donations are available for you to check out at Facebook, search for "The Event".) You must reserve tickets for the dinner. The link to do so is in the top right hand corner of this page. Another option is to mail a check to us. Once we recieve your dinner reservation we will know you are coming so we can plan the amount of food accordingly. You will recieve a conformation letter to give you the specifics for the evening.
Next question: How can we help? Well that question can be answered simply too. First of all you can come to The Event! But if you want to help further, you can participate in many different ways. Any would be great! Wow, thanks for stating the obvious, Em.
Many of you are amazing, and I mean amazing shoppers so today is your opportunity to put that skill to use because we are on the lookout for bargains! We have already been blessed by someone donating spaghetti, but we are trying to keep the price as low as possible and yet have an excellent meal. So if you find any low prices on these items we would love it if you could tell us about them!
We are in need of:
votive candles
small disposable salad bowls- clear or white
sturdy disposable(plastic) plates- clear or white
small dessert plates- clear or white
sturdy disposable(plastic) utensils- clear
plain white napkins
hot beverage cups
cold beverage cups- clear
romaine lettuce
cherry tomatoes
shredded Parmesan cheese
croutons
Ceaser salad dressing
bread sticks
spaghetti sauce
ground beef
mazarella cheese
lemonade mix
decaffeinated coffee
unsweetened tea
If you come across a great bargain please, please, let us know. You can contact by phone, e-mail, or on facebook at The Event page.
Thank you for helping us get my brothers and sister home,
Emmaline(a.k.a. E-E or Emmomo)
Some people have asked us how much the adoption will cost. Well, the answer to that is approximately $50,000. Nope, I did not mistype that, it is $50,000! The answer that we have found to that problem is simple. If God wants us to do this then He will give us the money. So we are going to have a fundraiser.
Our fundraiser: The Event. The Event is an Italian dinner under the stars and a silent auction. On October 13th the silent auction will occur at 5 P.M. and the dinner will start at 6:30 P.M. Following dinner the bidding will continue. You will have at least 30 minutes to complete your bidding on those awesome auction items! (FYI: The auction donations are available for you to check out at Facebook, search for "The Event".) You must reserve tickets for the dinner. The link to do so is in the top right hand corner of this page. Another option is to mail a check to us. Once we recieve your dinner reservation we will know you are coming so we can plan the amount of food accordingly. You will recieve a conformation letter to give you the specifics for the evening.
Next question: How can we help? Well that question can be answered simply too. First of all you can come to The Event! But if you want to help further, you can participate in many different ways. Any would be great! Wow, thanks for stating the obvious, Em.
Many of you are amazing, and I mean amazing shoppers so today is your opportunity to put that skill to use because we are on the lookout for bargains! We have already been blessed by someone donating spaghetti, but we are trying to keep the price as low as possible and yet have an excellent meal. So if you find any low prices on these items we would love it if you could tell us about them!
We are in need of:
votive candles
small disposable salad bowls- clear or white
sturdy disposable(plastic) plates- clear or white
small dessert plates- clear or white
sturdy disposable(plastic) utensils- clear
plain white napkins
hot beverage cups
cold beverage cups- clear
romaine lettuce
cherry tomatoes
shredded Parmesan cheese
croutons
Ceaser salad dressing
bread sticks
spaghetti sauce
ground beef
mazarella cheese
lemonade mix
decaffeinated coffee
unsweetened tea
If you come across a great bargain please, please, let us know. You can contact by phone, e-mail, or on facebook at The Event page.
Thank you for helping us get my brothers and sister home,
Emmaline(a.k.a. E-E or Emmomo)
Monday, August 27, 2012
Really?!
Questions, questions, and more questions. We thought we would honor all of those who have asked and help out all of those who are to afraid to ask by answering. (As you can tell, nothing is too private for us. We really don't mind telling!)
Are you really adopting four more children? Yes, we really are adopting four more children. We are not joking. The youngest of the new Stinsons is a 4 year old boy. His name is Orin Mihiretu. Next is a 5 year old boy, Lee Atnafu. The only girl in the bunch is a 6 year old. Her name is Evelyn Shega. Then Levi Ashenafi is an 8 year old boy. This means our new Stinsons will fall in between our existing members. Aubrey is 12; Emmaline is 11; Graham is 8; Levi is 8; Wil is 6; Evelyn is 6; Lee is 5; Orin is 4; Worth is 3; and Jermiah is almost 3!
Why four? How did you get so comfortable with a group of four? We weren't attempting to adopt four but every previous group we attempted to adopt fell through. As we pursued this group, God swung all of the doors wide open. And we mean wide open! Three interviews in 2 weeks. After what we were initially told was a long shot, it became a probability and then moved to a definate. There are no doubts, this is the group for our family. We have a peace that this is the step to take, and we are confident even admist the chaos.
How do you know this is of God? First, see previous answer. Second, God has given us a 12 seat van and a 12 seat table. 8 current Stinsons + 4 other Stinsons = 12 total Stinsons. The moral of the story... don't buy a large table because maybe, just maybe, God will fill it.
Do they speak English? No. They speak Kimbatissa which is a tribal language. They are currently in the process of learning Amharic which is the national language of Ethiopia. They have been at the orphanage since March. By the spring we have been told they will know Amharic, but have very few English words.
How are you going to communicate with them? We are currently in the process of learning some Amharic. Our children are studying it in school (after convincing Mom to take a year off from the Spanish curriculum), and we are slowly..., slowly learning from them.
And last but not least...
What kind of van is that? This one seems to come from the men. For all of you wondering, it is a Freightliner Sprinter. It seats 12, and you CAN stand up in it. There are 2 in Springfield that we have seen, ours and one other. FYI, we may have spotted a third this weekend. So, if you see one around town chances are it is us. And yes, you may look in it. Everyone asks- it's ok.
Are you really adopting four more children? Yes, we really are adopting four more children. We are not joking. The youngest of the new Stinsons is a 4 year old boy. His name is Orin Mihiretu. Next is a 5 year old boy, Lee Atnafu. The only girl in the bunch is a 6 year old. Her name is Evelyn Shega. Then Levi Ashenafi is an 8 year old boy. This means our new Stinsons will fall in between our existing members. Aubrey is 12; Emmaline is 11; Graham is 8; Levi is 8; Wil is 6; Evelyn is 6; Lee is 5; Orin is 4; Worth is 3; and Jermiah is almost 3!
Why four? How did you get so comfortable with a group of four? We weren't attempting to adopt four but every previous group we attempted to adopt fell through. As we pursued this group, God swung all of the doors wide open. And we mean wide open! Three interviews in 2 weeks. After what we were initially told was a long shot, it became a probability and then moved to a definate. There are no doubts, this is the group for our family. We have a peace that this is the step to take, and we are confident even admist the chaos.
How do you know this is of God? First, see previous answer. Second, God has given us a 12 seat van and a 12 seat table. 8 current Stinsons + 4 other Stinsons = 12 total Stinsons. The moral of the story... don't buy a large table because maybe, just maybe, God will fill it.
Do they speak English? No. They speak Kimbatissa which is a tribal language. They are currently in the process of learning Amharic which is the national language of Ethiopia. They have been at the orphanage since March. By the spring we have been told they will know Amharic, but have very few English words.
How are you going to communicate with them? We are currently in the process of learning some Amharic. Our children are studying it in school (after convincing Mom to take a year off from the Spanish curriculum), and we are slowly..., slowly learning from them.
And last but not least...
What kind of van is that? This one seems to come from the men. For all of you wondering, it is a Freightliner Sprinter. It seats 12, and you CAN stand up in it. There are 2 in Springfield that we have seen, ours and one other. FYI, we may have spotted a third this weekend. So, if you see one around town chances are it is us. And yes, you may look in it. Everyone asks- it's ok.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
We Are Loved?
Many people have been asking about our t-shirts, "What do they mean?","What's your goal in this?" "Why is "We Are Loved" your theme?". I hope some of these explanations will help you understand us more. We were wanting to be able to raise money to bring our brothers and sisters home. So, my aunt Kim and my sister Emmy came up with this design. When the shirts say "Apple, PC, Mac, Liberal, Black, White....." the idea is that there are all these people coming from many different walks of life, but we are all brothers, sisters, and ORPHANS! Without Christ's love, we are no one, with no place to call home. Until we have accepted this gift of everlasting love, we are still orphans. As you go down the shirt, it continues to say we are ADOPTED AND LOVED! Through accepting Christ's gift, he adopts us into his loving family, and never leaves us or forsakes us, throughout our whole journey on earth and into eternity! Since this is our calling, we believe adopting is the earthly way of showing how God takes us, even when we are a sick and ugly mess, and turns us into a light to guide many others to Him! We adopt into our family because we have been adopted into God's family. This is our way we have been called to obey Him!
We are now taking preorders for short sleeve/long sleeve t-shirts and zip up/pull over hoodies. Prices range from 15-25 dollars, depending on the shirt. Please contact me at"auba@att.net" if you would like more information. Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to bring my brothers and sister home!
Aubrey
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